I spent the day with Elegante Mother. I made it to her room very shortly after 8:30. Parking and weather and traffic were all on my side this morning. EM was really sleepy today. I have the sense that we wore her out yesterday, and that she may have not gotten enough sleep, due to a roommate, and a sitter who was willing to chat with her.
She had asked to sit in a chair. I see that as a very positive thing, but she kept trying to doze off. At first I was really upset, and then I realized she just needs more rest. I helped her with breakfast, and a midmorning snack. When I started on the lunch that was delivered, we got about ten bites into it before she said, “NO MORE!” I tried to sneak a bite past her a little later and got the evil eye!
The nursing home was supposed to take EM on Monday, but they had an opening, and she made the transfer today at 1:30. A friend had stopped by and graciously offered to help me carry some of EM’s loot down to my car. I thought I’d packed up everything. It didn’t look like anything could be left in the room, but I missed one thing that my siblings will never let me forget…..her bottom dentures. (sigh) I wondered why she was having so much trouble with the macaroni and cheese…..
My-Sister-The-Nurse made it to the nursing home just as EM was being delivered. We settled down to sign the paperwork, and then went back to check on Mother. She had snoozed for an hour, in the chair. She has a nice room that looks out partly into a tree, and partly over the lawn. She has two areas where we can take her to sit outside and enjoy beautiful patios with lovely landscaping.
We’re expecting EM to go through physical therapy for the next week, and then we will assess her for her ability to come home, with assistance. In the past five days, I’ve visited EM every day, and three of those days I was with her for at least eight hours. Office work is beginning to mount up. I’m going to take clothes over early in the morning, tomorrow, and then my second sister will care for Mother. I’ll go back to do Sunday morning and Monday afternoon. My biggest concern about EM returning home is that I won’t be able to find the time to do the work that can’t be farmed out. We’ll have to find good help that I can trust.
Tomorrow, I’m going to get errands done, work in the office, and make time for myself in the evening. Dear Husband is going sailing over the weekend, so I don’t have to worry about a meal for him on Saturday night. I may just go to bed early and SLEEP IN!
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Arrrgh!!!
It's just my state of mind!
Boy does reading this bring back memories sweetie. I’m just going to say one thing…..PLEASE….pace yourself. You must make sure you get enough rest…good rest. Even at the expense of other things…work included. You can’t do it all. I learned this lesson. You have to make the time for yourself or you’re going to be a sorry camper. While EM is in this facility….I don’t care how you do it….make sure you get some rest while you can…because when and if she comes home soon….you will get LESS rest (guaranteed)….even with help. ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME? That’s it! Lecture over. Thinking of you….love you lots….. ~Joy
oh buffy that’s wonderful news! i’m so glad she has a nice place to recouperate in….and hehehe you forgot her teeth!
I’m glad EM will get the full-time care that she needs while recuperating from her illness. I know it was probably tough to let go and let someone else do the care-taking, but you can’t do it all.
Take a well deserved break while she is there (that means, spend a bit less than 8 hours there and take some time out for yourself) and let the experts do what they do best.
Hope you are getting some rest, today. It will be tough on EM for a few days; but, it sounds like she is able to snooze off despite new surroundings. Good for her!
Hope things are still progessing well.
You must be quite worn out buffy. I hope you’re managing to delegate as much as you can. Take care.
Joy, I’m learning that you are SO RIGHT! I’ve forced myself to cut back on the time I’ve been spending at the nursing home. I’ve spoken with the three siblings who live the closest to arrange for them, or their families, to visit, so that I can take a full day and a half off this weekend. I’ve learned the hard way to get myself to bed at a decent hour, and I’m looking forward to some time in my gardens today. Thanks for your advice, sweetie!
Bod, I shouldn’t have told you about the teeth! I’ll never hear the end of it…. *G*
Bogie…it’s really hard to let go, and let the professionals do their job, but I’m learning. EM is making incredible progress. SHE can’t gauge it, but it’s obvious to us, and that makes it a bit easier for me to take care of me. Thanks for your support.
Cop Car and Blue Witch, I’m getting my rest, finally. It helps to have so many of you remind me to take care of myself, and it helps that EM is doing so well. Thanks, ladies, for being there for me!